Rangers manager Philippe Clement gives an Ibrox January transfer update – and digs Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in the process.
The Ibrox manager was speaking to ViaPlay following the League Cup Final victory over Aberdeen.
James Tavernier was the hero on the day to score the only goal as Rangers lifted the trophy for the first time in 13 years.
But for anyone suggesting Philippe Clement might be resting on his laurels, the Rangers gaffer’s post-match transfer comments will pique the interest of fans.
Philippe Clement talks January transfer business
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has transformed this stuttering Ibrox squad from no-hopers to winners in the space of nine weeks.
But the Ibrox boss is clear this is just the beginning with Big Phil eyeing reinforcements when the window opens in January.
Refusing to go into the specifics, Clement claims everyone at Rangers is eager to go to the next level.
“I’m not going to put an amount on that but yes we have ambition to do things,” said Clement.
“We know also it’s a difficult period January to get players in because everybody who is performing really well in a club, the other club don’t let them go.
“It’s logical also – it’s the same on our side.
“So you need to look for opportunities. Maybe players who played less, (but) will they be fit then for the rest of the season?
“It’s more difficult decision-making than the summer transfer window but yeah we’re ambitious to make things better.”
Rangers comments shine badly on Brendan Rodgers
In the second half of the Rangers manager’s answer, the comments make for interesting reading given what’s going on across the City.
Rangers have cut a substantial gap at the top of the Premiership to five points, with the club’s two games in hand enough to put them top of the Scottish pile.
There is still much of the season to be played but even if Philippe Clement is looking to do transfer business this winter the manager’s comments on the state of the current squad will raise a few eyebrows.
“All the club is ambitious to make things better but for me my job is also to make the players better who are here,” said Clement.
“It’s too easy to say ‘OK this, this, this one is not good enough and we need five, six, seven, eight more players’.
“I’m not that kind of manager, I want to invest in the team that is here and you see already several players who made big steps the last couple of weeks.
“It’s about them showing themselves that we don’t need to find replacements for their positions.”
Claiming that he’s not a manager to complain about the strength of his current options, contrast Philippe Clement’s comments with that of the increasingly under pressure Brendan Rodgers.
The Celtic boss is always harking on about signing quality whilst his Rangers equivalent has been clear that he’s no chequebook Charlie.
